On 19 May 2025, the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Department of Chemical Engineering Technology welcomed three faculty members and nine undergraduate students from the University of Houston (UH) as part of their learning abroad experience in Johannesburg. This marked the group’s first visit to South Africa, aimed at deepening their understanding of the country’s higher education landscape, cultural richness, and advancements in engineering and technology.
The visit was rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on:
- Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3.9)
- Quality Education (SDG 4.7)
- Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6.3)
- Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7.b)
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10.2)
UJ was selected for its impressive global reputation and commitment to sustainable development through technological innovation. During the visit, UH students engaged in dialogues centred on South African culture, STEM advancements, sustainability, and workforce development.
Two UJ Honours students, Mr Siyabonga Ndebele and Mr Senzo Dube, presented their research linked to SDGs 6, 7, and 10. The visitors also toured UJ’s state-of-the-art research laboratories in Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy, concluding with an insightful visit to the Simulacrum Mining Facility.
“This engagement was an opportunity to unlock collaborations, which may include bilateral grant applications, as well as student exchange programmes for enhanced quality research between the two universities,” said Prof Thandiwe Sithole, Vice-Dean: Global Engagement.
“Our students were able to showcase their capabilities and demonstrate the type of research that we do at the University of Johannesburg and its alignment to addressing the SDGs,” noted Dr Major Mabuza, Head of Department: Chemical Engineering Technology.
The spirit of mutual learning and respect was echoed by Dr Jerrod A. Henderson, Assistant Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at UH:
“The visit to the University of Johannesburg was spectacular and a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through collaboration across borders. Experiencing UJ’s innovations firsthand was invaluable—not just for professional insight, but also for building relationships grounded in mutual respect, cultural understanding, and shared purpose.”
UJ student Siyabonga Ndebele shared his reflections:
“The event was a wonderful opportunity to evaluate the standard of engineering education the department holds us to in contrast to international counterparts, and I must say, we are doing extremely well in that regard. Networking makes the world go round and this event allowed us to create friendships that could last us a lifetime. Not to mention, the free food was a bonus.”
For Isatou Awe, a Chemical Engineering student from UH, the visit left a lasting impression:
“Visiting the great University of Johannesburg was amazingly enriching. From learning through the students’ wonderful presentations to the warm welcome we received from the staff and faculty over there. The bridge of cultures taught me so much. The endless South African warmth is something I will forever carry with me.”
This successful exchange marked a promising step toward future collaborations and global partnerships between UJ and UH, reinforcing the shared commitment to education, sustainability, and global citizenship.
